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The two areas singled out for protection in a proposed Bay of Islands marine reserve were chosen after canvassing both scientific and popular opinion, the community group behind the proposal says.

Last week Fish Forever launched a proposal for a no-take reserve split into two areas, one of about 1000ha around Okahu and Waewaetorea islands and the other about 900ha adjoining the Rawhiti Peninsula. The proposal takes in 6 per cent of the Bay's waters.

Fisheries ecologist John Booth, of Rawhiti, said the two areas had been chosen for their rich complexity and because they were representative of many of New Zealand's marine environments.

Okahu Channel in particular, between Okahu and Waewaetorea Islands, was world-class for its range of ecosystems, all of which could easily be seen by a snorkeler. Maunganui Bay, on the Rawhiti Peninsula, was a hotspot for subtropical species rivalling the Poor Knights.